EmmanuelForward Update: December 15, 2021

Dear Students,

We are pleased with our community’s success in keeping COVID-19 cases on campus remarkably low during the fall semester. However, recent increases in infections both locally and even on our campus call for several changes to campus operations for the remainder of the semester.

To reduce exposures to COVID-19 through the final exam period, the following policies are effective immediately:

• Residence Hall Guest Visitation: Students are only allowed to enter the residence halls in which they reside. Students are not permitted to visit other halls; this includes commuter students
• Fitness Centers: All fitness areas will be closed starting this afternoon, December 15
• Events: All college-sponsored social events are cancelled
• Dining: Seating in the Main Dining Room will be restricted to six people per table; the Muddy River Café will be grab-and-go only
• Final Exams: Exams will take place in person as planned unless students hear directly from an individual faculty member

We recognize these operational changes may impact your schedule but appreciate your support as we prioritize the wellbeing of our campus community.

Spring Semester 2022 COVID-19 Protocols

As we continue to prioritize the health and safety of the Emmanuel community, we have made the decision to require all students without a prior medical or religious exemption to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccination. This will be based on when a student becomes eligible, which is six months after receiving the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or two months after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Booster documentation can be submitted here.

A booster vaccine requirement is consistent with the College’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement announced in the spring of 2021. Emmanuel’s high vaccination rates, coupled with other health protocols such as regular testing and masking indoors, have allowed us to remain on campus for living and learning this semester. Requiring vaccine boosters will support efforts to have a safe spring semester.

In addition to the booster requirement, daily symptom checks, surveillance testing 1x/week and indoor masking will remain in place. Prior to the beginning of the Spring 2022 semester, students will receive additional details on campus operations and protocols, including information on pre-arrival COVID-19 testing.

We encourage students who are eligible to take advantage of time over the winter break to acquire a booster shot. Here in Massachusetts, hundreds of locations are providing booster shots, and a list can be found at vaxfinder.mass.gov. We further hope to offer booster vaccination clinics for students in the spring semester.

We thank you for your commitment to our collective health, and we wish you a joyous holiday season with friends and family. We look forward to welcoming students back in January for another vibrant semester on campus.